First Global Water Survey Satellite | 19 Dec 2022

Why in News?

Recently, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) -led international satellite, Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) was launched from Southern California by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

• The satellite will take the first global survey of Earth’s freshwater systems from space.

What is Surface Water and Ocean Topography?

• About:
  • SWOT is an advanced radar satellite that aims to provide scientists with a deeper understanding of the oceans and how climate change impacts them.
  • The rocket's payload, the SWOT, incorporates advanced microwave radar technology to collect high-definition measurements of oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers over 90% of the globe.
• Significance:
  • Using its radar, the satellite will be able to measure the water levels of ocean features ten times more accurately than is currently possible.
  • It will also be able to measure over a million lakes and rivers on Earth.
  • Through its observations, the satellite will also be able to improve the accuracy of flood forecasts and provide scientists with more precise monitoring of impending droughts, rising sea levels, and life on Earth.
  • One major thrust of the mission is to explore how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide in a process that naturally regulates global temperatures and has helped to minimize climate change.
    • Oceans are estimated to have absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: TH